The Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church is among leaders from Muslim, Christian and Jewish faiths who have joined forces to voice their opposition to the Illegal Migration Bill at the start of Refugee Week.

The Primus, Bishop Mark Strange, is the opening contributor to a video message co-ordinated by Together With Refugees, a coalition of more than 500 national and local organisations representing refugees and people from all walks of life “who believe in showing compassion to refugees fleeing war and persecution”.

Others taking part include the Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Imam Dr Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi Chief Imam of the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society, the Rt Reverend Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford and member of the House of Lords, and Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen from Manchester Reform Synagogue.

Right Reverend Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, who arrived in the UK at 14 years old as a refugee from Iran, said: “This bill would allow the UK to turn its back on people in desperate need – denying safety to those who are vulnerable. Instead it would lock up people who have fled terrible circumstances in fear for their lives.  I arrived in this country aged 14 and was given protection and welcome. But the proposals in this bill would mean detaining children who need help behind bars.  I am proud to join with other faith leaders to stand with refugees against this bill.  It does not represent who we are as faith leaders or as a nation.”

Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen, Manchester Reform Synagogue, said: “My very existence is owed to countries who understood their duty to welcome in refugees. My religion repeatedly reminds me that it is because we have had to wander that, in turn, our responsibility is to others who are fleeing from harm now. Judaism demands that we fight for justice and it’s clear that the Illegal Migration Bill is far from just or responsible.”

Imam Dr Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi, Chief Imam of the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society, said: “Any policy must recognise human dignity and compassion as underlining core principles. A compassionate policy can still secure our borders and prevent dangerous crossings, and at the same time taking into consideration the most vulnerable.”

The 14 contributors to the film state: “As people of faith, we strive to welcome the stranger, to offer hospitality, to love, protect, listen, learn, and show compassion. This is who we are.

“Across the UK, now and throughout history, individuals and communities of faith have welcomed refugees into their homes and lives. When people travel across borders because they are fleeing war, persecution or oppression, we are ready to play our part. But the Illegal Migration Bill will deny people desperately seeking safety in the UK the right to community, peace, compassion and security. It will ban people from getting the protection they need, punish them for seeking sanctuary, and separate families. Instead of hospitality, it treats people with hostility, discrimination and distrust.

“We believe in a different approach. We believe in a fair and just asylum system that welcomes those who need protection and respects their dignity. We call on the government to listen to communities who say this bill does not reflect what we want our country to be.  As people of faith, we will stand together with refugees, because it’s who we are.”